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The UAE National Framework Statement for
Sustainable Fisheries (2019-2030)
Sponsored and Authored by
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
In partnership with the
Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
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Foreword. Message from the Minister
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Our relationship with the sea has always been a key component of the cultural fabric of
our nation – and fisheries has been and will continue to be important to us and a part
of who we are. In partnership with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and our
stakeholders and in recognition that our fisheries resources like those globally are
overexploited, we launch this clear and transparent plan to achieve a sustainable fishery within the UAE by 2030.
Based on comprehensive scientific studies and after consulting with our fishing community, I am confident that this
Framework we put in place will guide how we achieve this.
Our Ministry is grateful for the valuable feedback and ongoing contributions made by the various local
authorities for fisheries management across the UAE. Special thanks are due to the Environment Agency - Abu
Dhabi team, who prepared the Framework, and for their dedication and continued support in pursuing the
achievement of sustainable fisheries in the UAE.
By continuing to work together, government entities, the private sector, our fishing community and the wider public,
we can overcome our challenges and achieve our fisheries vision. And regionally for migratory fish species, we will of
course continue working with our regional partners to achieve our goals.
His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi
Minister of Climate Change and Environment
United Arab Emirates
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Foreword. Message from the Secretary General
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
The sea has always been part of what it means to be Emirati and has always been our
bridge to the world, a source of livelihood and pride for us in the UAE. Historically, our
seas have been and will continue to be an important bridge not only for us, but for all
nations in the Indian Ocean Region. One key global, regional and local issue that is impacting our ocean and coastal
communities is the overexploitation of fisheries. Here in Abu Dhabi and the UAE we are facing the same issues. In
recognition of this, four years ago the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi partnered with the Ministry of Climate Change
and Environment and established the UAE Sustainable Fisheries Programme, that would enable us to better
understand our fishery and put in place plans to achieve its sustainability. Under the umbrella of this Programme we
have completed the most comprehensive fisheries survey of the UAE’s waters; completed socioeconomic and
traditional knowledge surveys; developed fisheries laws, policies; and a national fisheries research and monitoring
plan; improved fisheries enforcement on land and sea; and improved fisheries information management across Abu
Dhabi Emirate.
The programme was a comprehensive fisheries sector review, provided decision makers with the most up to date
understanding of the fishery, and put in place the building blocks to achieve a sustainable fishery by 2030.
Accordingly, we are pleased to be launching this UAE National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries (2019-
2030). It provides a summary of where we are, where we want to go, and how we will get there. By 2030, I am confident
we can achieve our desired national outcome of an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially
responsible fishing sector.
We thank the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and our stakeholders, public and private, for their support
and contribution in developing this Framework. By continuing to work together, we can achieve once again what we
have historically always had, a sustainable fishery.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri
Acting Secretary General
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
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CONTENTS 1. Framework Vision………………………………………………………………………..…………………………........................5
1.1 Framework Aim………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….......................................……. . 5
1.2 Framework Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………………...........…………………………… . 5
1.3 Challenges………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………… 5
1.4 Legal Authority………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
1.5 Application……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………… 6
1.6 Framework Effective Date and Duration……………………………………………………………………………….………………………….. 6
2. Background……………………………………………….……………………………………………………….....................……… 7
2.1 UAE Fisheries and Heritage……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………7
2.2 Pressures on the Fishery………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………..……….7
2.3 Fisheries Science……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………...………….7
2.4 Fisheries Sector……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..…………..….9
2.5 Fisheries Management Responses………………………………………………………………………………………..………..…………………..10
2.6 Sustainable Fisheries – A Strategic Priority………………………………………………………………………………………..………..……..13
3. Framework Statement………………………………………………………………....................…………………………………14
3.1 How Sustainable Fisheries will be Pursued……………………………………………………………………………..………………………....14
3.2 Framework 2030 Targets…………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
4. Framework Implementation…………………………………………………………………………………………....................16
4.1 Implementation Mechanisms………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………..….16
4.2 Resources Needed to Support this Framework……………………………………………………………………………..…………………..17
5. Framework Analysis…………………………………………………...........................................................……………….18
5.1 Framework Benefits……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
5.2 Framework Criteria Achieved…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….18
6. Framework Review…………………………………………………………………………………………..........…………………….19
7. Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………………..........……………………….. ...... 20
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1. FRAMEWORK VISION
1.1 Framework Aim Best available scientific and socioeconomic information indicates that the United Arab Emirate’s (UAE) fisheries are severely
overexploited. In recognition of this challenge, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in
collaboration with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Competent Authorities, is pursuing a 2030 aim of
‘sustainable fisheries.’ This will be achieved through pursuing fisheries management best practice at the national level and
working with Competent Authorities and stakeholders at the emirate level. This document is intended to provide a clear
vision of the future of fisheries in the UAE and a common basis for action for achieving that vision.
1.2 Framework Objectives The overall objective of this framework is to achieve sustainable fisheries for the UAE. This will be achieved by pursuing the
environmental sustainability of fisheries with the support of economic and social elements. Sustainable fisheries can be
defined as meeting the balance between environmental, economic and social objectives, whilst allowing fish stocks to
recover.
Environmental objective: Understand the current state of fish-stocks, re-build strategic fish-stocks above the 30%
sustainable threshold, retain existing stock levels for other fish-stocks, preserve the ecosystem, and reduce risks of future
overexploitation.
Economic objective: Retain a commercial element to the fishery at a level which does not undermine environmental
sustainability. As fish-stocks recover, focus can move to maximizing economic value from allowable catch and ensuring
a level of catch that is in line with protein needs and food security.
Social/Cultural objective: Preserving the inherent cultural elements (heritage) of fisheries activities, while not
contradicting environmental sustainability needs.
1.3 Challenges The UAE’s fisheries resources are severely overexploited with an estimated 90% decline in the adult (reproductive) stock
size for the three key demersal indicator species - Hamour (Orange spotted Grouper–Epinephelus coiodes), Shaari
(Spangled Emperor – Lethrinus nebulosus) and Farsh (Painted Sweetlips – Diagramma pictum).
Thirty percent is the international sustainable fisheries management threshold below which these stocks are considered to
be overexploited yet in the UAE, best available information infers that the relative adult stock size of these three species are
considered to be around 10% of their unexploited state.
The severely overexploited state of the fishery (environmental) is the main driver for this framework, with proposed
solutions also needing to take into account the importance of fisheries to the UAE’s heritage (social) and those fishers that
rely on fishing for primary income (economic).
1.4 Legal Authority MOCCAE is the federal authority for fisheries management under Federal Law No. 23 (1999), as amended by Federal Law
No.7 (2016) and its bylaw (Ministerial Decree No. 21 (2018)). Emirate UAE-wide Competent Authorities for fisheries
management also have an important role in fisheries management as stated in those legislations, with this framework
intended to guide the achievement of sustainable fisheries in the country.
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1.5 Application This framework communicates to stakeholders that fishing resources in the UAE are severely overexploited, and that
MOCCAE, in collaboration with EAD and Competent Authorities and stakeholders, has launched this framework statement
to guide sustainable management in the future. Key stakeholders are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Fisheries Framework Stakeholders
Stakeholder Stakeholder role
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Ministry of Economy
Executive Councils, Emirate Municipalities & Competent Authorities
Decision Makers
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Framework Manager
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi Technical Advice & Framework Delivery
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Emirate Municipalities and Competent Authorities Regulatory Entities
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Emirate Municipalities and Competent Authorities
Delivery Partners
Emirate Municipalities and Competent Authorities
Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA)
Federal Transport Authority – Land and Maritime (FTA)
Government Entities
Commercial Fishers
Recreational Fishers
Fishermen’s Cooperative Societies
Aquaculture Producers
Public
Additional Stakeholders
1.6 Framework Effective Date and Duration This framework, to pursue sustainable fisheries in the UAE, is effective as of 6 March 2019, with its aims and objectives to be
achieved by 2030.
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2. BACKGROUND
2.1 UAE Fisheries and Heritage
The waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, their islands, their coastlines and fisheries are of fundamental
importance to the people of the UAE, and the region. Historically, fisheries resources sustained the UAE’s ancestors –
fishing and harvesting marine resources were integral to their survival, with the sea the link between the Arabian Gulf
region, and the rest of the world. Whether on the coast or inland, all life in the UAE was fundamentally connected to
fisheries resources and the maritime domain. With the quadrupling of the population of the UAE over the past 20 years
(from approximately 2 million in 1990 to approximately 9.4 million in 2017) and a resulting increased demand for
seafood and other uses in the maritime domain, the UAE’s fisheries, like those globally, have come under increasing
pressure.
2.2 Pressures on the Fishery Consistent with the pressures on global fisheries resources, pressures on the UAE’s fisheries resources have included:
An increased demand for fish due to a rapidly growing population;
Loss and degradation of key habitats and marine water quality due to coastal development, cumulative
desalination activities, pollution and climate change;
o Three different climate change models have predicted that by 2090, there will likely be an
additional decline in fish catch of up to 26% due to climate change;
o Ocean acidification due to climate change affects reproductive processes and juvenile survival
of fish;
Loss of mangroves and seagrass to coastal development severely impacts fisheries resources due to a
loss of nursery function;
Illegal, and unreported fishing;
Use of illegal fishing gear;
Catching of prohibited species or violating size limits; and
Unreported and significant catch by the recreational fishing sector.
Dedicated UAE-wide socioeconomic studies indicate that one of the key pressures on the fishery is the overcapacity of the
commercial and recreational fishing sectors – with the most landed demersal species, Hamour, Shaari and Farsh being
overexploited by an estimated five times the sustainable limit, with the pelagic, Kanaad (Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel
– Scomberomorus commerson), being overexploited by up to three times the sustainable limit.
2.3 Fisheries Science
2.3.1 A Severely Overexploited Fishery Sixteen years of fisheries scientific studies by MOCCAE, EAD and UAE-wide emirate Competent Authorities for fisheries
management indicate that the UAE’s key fisheries resources are severely overexploited. Most recently, in 2016-2017,
the most comprehensive Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey (FRAS) was completed in the UAE's waters, the results
of which confirm that the demersal fishery is severely overexploited - with Hamour, Shaari, and Farsh at approximately
10% of their mean adult stock size.
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Two geographical areas were surveyed – the Arabian Gulf waters of the UAE and the waters of the UAE in the Sea of
Oman. The Arabian Gulf survey spanned 250 days at sea, and included over 2500 survey stations and the gathering of
information about 200+ species of fish, sharks, and rays. The survey results indicate that the UAE demersal (bottom-
dwelling) fisheries resources are severely overexploited due to severe fishing pressures and are in need of major
recovery.
The survey was conducted in partnership with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), a
New Zealand-based organisation made up of fisheries experts. It aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of fish
stocks in UAE waters, evaluate the link between protected areas and key commercial species’ stock, and, update status,
biological parameters, size and age structures of key commercial fish stocks.
The survey indicated that mainly due to severe fishing pressures, key species like Hamour, Shaari, and Farsh are being
overfished. According to the survey results, Farsh is severely exploited and has been reduced to 7% of its adult stock
size. Hamour and Shaari are also overexploited with stock sizes at 12% and 13% of unexploited levels respectively. A
sustainable level for these species would be between 30% and 40%, with their current state defining these stocks as
‘severely overexploited’ for these species. For the Hamour, which has a life span of over 20 years, they are only growing
to a maximum age of eight years. Even more alarmingly, data collected on Farsh revealed that very few adult fish live
over the age of two, despite an expected lifespan of over 30 years in the Arabian Gulf.
In the Sea of Oman, surveys to estimate biomass of demersal fishes were conducted in May and December 2017.
Biomass estimates were based on trawl catches from seven stations using the swept area method and from acoustic
surveys. Results were compared to previous surveys on the Sea of Oman coast in 2003 and 2012 with the results also
indicating that the fishery has been severely overexploited. Previous studies estimated biomass density for the east
coast of the UAE at 1,735 kg/km2 in 2001-2002, 529 kg/km2 in 2012 and 1,221 kg/km2 in 2017.
In addition to the FRAS assessments completed in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, the following MOCCAE, EAD and
UAE-wide emirate Competent Authority surveys completed over the past sixteen years corroborate the status of the
UAE fishery.
Three independent studies undertaken over 16 years in Abu Dhabi waters, which account for approximately
72% of the UAE’s Arabian Gulf waters, show that at least 12 species have been harvested beyond sustainable
levels. This data is also representative of the UAE’s Arabian Gulf fishery given Abu Dhabi’s majority proportion
of the UAE’s Arabian Gulf marine area and studies indicating that many fishers from other emirates fish in Abu
Dhabi’s waters.
The 12 overexploited species account for 73% of the commercial catch and 85% of the commercial fishery
revenue. In addition to the iconic species such as the Hamour (Orange Spotted Grouper - Epinephelus
coioides), Shaari (Spangled Emperor - Lethrinus nebulosus), Farsh (Painted Sweet Lip - Diagramma pictum )
and Kanaad (Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel - Scomberomorus commerson), these overexploited species
include the Dhil’e (Talang Queenfish - Scomberoides commersonnianus), Zuraidi (Golden Trevally -
Gnathanodon speciosus), Jesh Um Al Hala (Orange-spotted Trevally - Carangoides bajad), Qabit (Gold-lined
Seabream - Rhabdosargus sarba), Safi Arabi (White-spotted Spinefoot - Siganus canaliculatus), Kofar (King
Soldier Bream - Argyrops spinifer), Esnenuh (Yellow fin Hind - Cephalopholis hemistiktos) and Marjaan
(Mangrove Red Snapper - Lutjanus argentimaculatus).
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Discrete MOCCAE assessments of size and length composition data derived from the northern and eastern
emirates (with the exception of Dubai and Fujairah) have indicated that the status of these species in other
locations within the UAE corroborates that determined in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
A 2011 EAD study comparing coral reef fish abundance within and outside Abu Dhabi Protected Areas
concluded that coral reefs outside Protected Areas had less than 20% of the abundance of Protected Areas.
In 2002-2003, EAD commissioned a vessel based Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey of the UAE’s Arabian
Gulf Waters which concluded that at that time, demersal fisheries resources were approximately 19% of their
virgin biomass – 16 years ago the fishery was already overexploited.
Two additional surveys completed for the GCC between1976-79 (UN FAO) and in 2010-11 (KISR) were
designed to investigate the whole Gulf region and included relatively few sampling stations in the UAE – the
results of sampled stations also indicated low abundance of demersal resources.
EAD’s State of the Environment Report (2017) provides additional information.
2.4 Fisheries Sector The UAE’s fisheries sector, comprising of both commercial and recreational subsectors, has maintained its traditional links
and is artisanal in nature, with a mix of lansh (motored dhows) and tarad (open fibreglass motor powered vessels)
operating across the emirates using traditional methods including gargoor (fish traps) and ghazel (encircling gill nets). The
traditional Al hadhra (fixed fish trap using wooden stakes) is used nearshore in Abu Dhabi Emirate with land based
dhagwa (beach seining) confined to some of the northern and eastern emirates (Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah). Hadaq
(hook and line) is the traditional method practiced in the recreational fishing subsector in the UAE, in addition to
spearfishing which is gaining popularity with the younger generation.
2.4.1 Economic Overview Economically, the UAE fishing sector comprises only approximately 0.12% (AED 1.8 billion) of the country’s GDP. The UAE
imports 72 % of seafood products with 27% contributed to by local fisheries catch and 1% aquaculture.
The fisheries sector economic contribution is relatively small in terms of the overall output of the UAE, however this is
significantly outweighed by the cultural importance and attachment the fishery has to the people of the UAE.
2.4.2 Social Overview According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority there are approximately 5,262 national fishers in the
UAE operating in 5,976 vessels. There are also approximately 20,000 recreational vessels registered by the Federal
Transport Authority - Land and Maritime (although whether they all go fishing is unknown), indicating that at the UAE
level this subsector contributes to a large proportion of fishing pressure. Whilst the mix between tarad and lansh licenses
varies by emirate, overall 90% of commercial fishing licenses are for tarad and 10% the more traditional lansh.
2.4.3 Fishing Community – Motivation for Change Socioeconomic studies corroborate that the fishery is severely overexploited. In a targeted UAE socioeconomic survey of
fishers (2015), over 80% of the most experienced fishers across the emirates agreed that the fishery was severely
overexploited and had declined significantly with anecdotes including using “few gargoor” in the past which caught “many
fish,” and the need to use “too many” gargoors now, to catch “few fish.” The survey indicated that there was motivation
amongst fishers for change in the sector.
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The survey also confirmed that fishers in the commercial industry are aging (an average age of 50) with the younger
generation having a perceived lack of interest in fishing as a career.
With the completion of the socioeconomic survey, and both the science and socioeconomics corroborating one another,
there was a strong case that change in the fisheries sector was needed.
2.4.4 Impacts of a Severely Overexploited Fishery The impacts of a severely overexploited fishery are social, environmental and economic and go to the heart of the UAE’s
cultural heritage. Fishing and being resourceful in the maritime domain is at the heart of Emirati culture. The current state
of the fishery presents a challenge to the UAE to ensure that this resource that the UAE has depended on and been
fundamental for survival, is here for future generations.
There are other social and economic impacts – the opportunities for employment in the sector are jeopardised, with a loss
of recreational value and tourism opportunities. Environmentally, impacts include a reduction in ecosystem function –
which may have far-reaching effects on the UAE’s maritime domain.
2.5 Fisheries Management Responses
2.5.1 Pursuing Fisheries Management Best Practice Over the past 16 years, an internationally benchmarked suite of management measures have been implemented in the
UAE at both the federal and emirate level. These have included:
Introduction of a licensing system for commercial fisheries (gargoor, ghazel, hadhra, dhagwa, buhoor, and
halaq) and recreational fisheries, including a commercial fishing effort cap to prevent expansion and
overexploitation of the fishery.
Established a representative network of marine protected areas with no take zones where fishing is
prohibited.
The updating of Federal Law No. (23) of 1999 and its Executive Bylaw in response to changes and new
challenges such as the regulation of vice-captain eligibility.
Regulated gear use, including limitations on the number and design of fishing gear used. Specifically:
o Unsustainable fishing techniques have been banned including trawling, drift netting, the use
of monofilament in nets, and the use of nets by recreational fishers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
o On the federal level, gargoor size was regulated to prevent fishers from using small gargoors
which target small fish;
o EAD limited gargoor to 125 traps per lansh and have banned gargoor on tarad since 2003 in
the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
o EAD implemented an escape panel on gargoors to prevent ‘ghost fishing’ and the catch of
juvenile fish in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
Established season bans to protect fish during their reproductive season (e.g. Safi, Shaari, Kanaad and
Badah (Long tailed Silver Biddy – Gerres longirostris)); and
Introduction of minimum size limits and the strengthening of federal fisheries legislation.
Despite pursuing fisheries management best practice at the federal and emirate level, the fishery continued to be
overexploited.
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2.5.2 Completing the UAE Sustainable Fisheries Programme (2015-2018) In 2015, in recognition of the state of the UAE fishery, MOCCAE and EAD partnered to establish the strategic UAE Sustainable
Fisheries Programme (UAESFP) (2015-2018), a comprehensive four year plan with a Programme vision of ‘Sustainable
Fisheries for the UAE’ and a desired national outcome of an environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially
responsible fishing sector. The Programme was a strategic priority and incorporated international (Convention on Biological
Diversity, Aichi) and national targets – the primary environmental target of which is to have 70% of fisheries resources
sustainably harvested above the 30% threshold. It was a nine project Programme with key activities and outcomes specified
in Table 2.
Table 2: Outcomes of the UAE Sustainable Fisheries Programme
UAESFP projects Project Summary Programme outcomes
Scientific
Research
Program
Project ID: FISH1
This project involved the
development of an
integrated UAE-wide
research program to
support future stock
assessment and
monitoring to measure
the effectiveness of
fisheries management
measures.
o Development of a UAE National Fisheries Integrated Research
and Monitoring Plan.
o Workshops held with government and scientific research
organizations in the UAE to prioritize future fisheries research in
accordance with best practice.
o Implementation of plan will involve future research work
programmes being integrated and coordinated across the UAE by
government entities and universities.
o The additional scientific studies completed will support fisheries
managers with additional understanding of the fishery and
ecosystem and to assist in developing informed fisheries policy.
Legal and Policy
Revision
Project ID: FISH2
This included a review
of the current (and
proposed) laws, decrees
and regulations, gap
analysis and updates of
existing laws to achieve
the regulatory basis for
achieving strategic
fisheries objectives.
o Fisheries decrees either updated, declared or in progress.
o Legislative updates spanned an update to Federal Law 23 of
1999, its Executive bylaw, specific legislation for spawning season
bans for Shaari and Safi; minimum legal length legislation based
on scientific characteristics of fish species; fishing boat licensing;
specific decrees for dhagwa and hadhra.
o National frameworks for both fisheries and aquaculture.
Socio-economic
Surveys and
Traditional
Knowledge
Programme
Project ID: FISH3
(Socio-
economic) and
FISH8
(Traditional)
The project involved a
socioeconomic and
traditional fishing
knowledge survey,
which gathered,
analyzed and
summarized available
traditional fishing
knowledge and fisheries
socio-economic data
o Over 300 boat owners and crew members interviewed across the
UAE including 60 of the most experienced fishers in the UAE.
o A comprehensive understanding of fishers views on how the
fishery had changed over time; fisheries management issues;
fishers’ views on future management; and socioeconomic-profiles
of the fishing community was obtained.
o The majority of interviews with experienced fishers were filmed,
with permission, with a video baseline of Traditional Fishing
Knowledge for the UAE established.
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from across the UAE to
assist in including
stakeholder views in
decision making.
o The interviews have formed the basis of a documentary film
entitled ‘Our Sea; Our Heritage.’
o The comprehensive stakeholder engagement process has been
recognized locally as an example of excellence by Abu Dhabi
government excellence assessors in the recent assessment of
EAD, and internationally with the Environment Agency Abu
Dhabi in working on developing in collaboration with the IUCN a
guideline on incorporating Fishers Knowledge in Fisheries Policy.
Monitoring
Control and
Surveillance
Project ID: FISH4
This project assessed
and refined UAE
Fisheries Monitoring,
Control and Surveillance
(MCS) strategic goals,
established MCS
priorities with a vision
of a strong and
comprehensive land and
sea-based fisheries MCS
regime.
o Completed a comprehensive fisheries enforcement needs study
and commenced implementation through the development of a
guide to improve synergies and fisheries enforcement.
Fisheries
Management
Planning
Project ID: FISH5
This project involved
international
benchmarking of
management measures
commensurate with the
state of the UAE fishery.
o Benchmarked fisheries management measures for both
commercial and recreational fisheries following review of
approaches in other jurisdictions.
Fisheries
Communications
Strategy
Project ID:FISH6
This project involved
development of clear
communications in
respect of fisheries state,
awareness of the UAE
Sustainable Fisheries
Programme, and
implementation of
project
recommendations.
o Completion of a comprehensive communications strategy to
ensure all stakeholders are aware of fisheries management issues,
the program, and how they will be engaged.
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Fisheries
Resources
Assessment
Survey
Project ID: FISH7
Completion of a
Fisheries Resources
Assessment Survey
(FRAS) to assess the
status of key demersal
fish stocks in UAE
waters.
o Completion of the most comprehensive demersal fisheries survey
of the waters of the UAE, the results of which are presented in
Section 2.
o This included the collection of voucher specimens and DNA
samples and stock assessment of 20 species.
Information
Management:
Project ID: FISH9
This project identified
fisheries information
management needs
with a focus of
improving data sharing
between systems,
agencies, and end users
of fisheries information.
o An updated fisheries landings data and effort data collection
program designed and developed for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
o Capacity building workshops in designing and managing fishery
data collection programmes and in analyzing fisheries data in Abu
Dhabi.
o The existing data collection program for aquaculture production
reviewed and improved.
The UAESFP was a comprehensive fisheries sector review, gave the most up to date understanding of the fishery, and put
in place the key building blocks to achieve a sustainable fishery by 2030. It enabled the launching of this framework which
is based on best available information. 2.6 Sustainable Fisheries – A Strategic Priority Fisheries is a national strategic priority and falls under the UAE National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (2014-
2021).The relevant Biodiversity Action Plan targets taken into account when pursuing the programme and in
subsequently developing the 2030 targets are:
TARGET 1.2: By 2021, biodiversity values have been integrated in national and local development planning and
decision making processes;
TARGET 2.1: By 2021, status and trends of key biodiversity components are assessed and monitored in all the
UAE and knowledge is shared and linked to decision making;
TARGET 2.2: By 2021, Traditional Knowledge innovation and practices incorporated in local legislation and
plans; and
TARGET 4.1: By 2021, at least 70% of important and vulnerable living marine resources are managed
sustainably.
Achieving Target 4.1 by 2021 will be a challenge to achieve because changes in fisheries management generally take the
life cycle of a fish species to manifest themselves. That is why the duration of this Framework is 2030, which gives time for
the key fisheries to recover, with 2030 Framework targets specified in Section 5. In addition to the above targets, most
recently the national Food Diversification Policy and Implementation Strategy (2017) identifies a wide range of actions to
strengthen and support sustainable food security in the UAE, including priority initiatives on fisheries and aquaculture.
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3. FRAMEWORK STATEMENT
The UAE National Framework for Sustainable Fisheries Statement:
MOCCAE, working with EAD and Competent Authorities and stakeholders, seeks to achieve a national framework vision of
‘sustainable fisheries for the UAE,’ with key fish stocks recovered to sustainable limits by 2030.
This framework:
Confirms that as a challenge the UAE’s fisheries resources are considered severely overexploited.
Confirms that as a solution MOCCAE is pursuing sustainable fisheries with a framework aim and objectives of an
environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible fishing sector.
Builds on MOCCAE, EAD and other Competent Authority’s fisheries management progress, and that of the UAE
Sustainable Fisheries Programme, and pursues the achievement of best practice fisheries management at the national
and emirate level, within the context of climate change; and
States how sustainable fisheries will be pursued.
3.1 How Sustainable Fisheries will be Pursued
This sustainable fisheries framework will be pursued through the completion of the following actions:
ACTION 1: Implementation of management measures commensurate with the state of the fishery - MOCCAE,
pursuing, in collaboration with EAD and Competent Authorities, the development and implementation of a suite of
fisheries management measures, and their enforcement, that will allow fish stocks to recover by 2030. These measures
will seek to achieve the following management measure strategic objectives:
o 1) Reduce pressure on the fishery;
o 2) Develop aquaculture research and programmes to support fish stock improvement; and
o 3) Enhance fish stocks.
These measures will be presented in Fisheries Management Plans for the demersal and pelagic fisheries by locality.
ACTION 2: Rehabilitation of fisheries habitats - MOCCAE is committed to rehabilitation of fisheries habitats
through the cultivation of coral reefs and the installation of artificial reefs for the purpose of biodiversity protection
and fisheries recovery.
Additional details are specified in Section 4.1: Framework Implementation.
3.2 Framework 2030 Targets The Framework Targets are:
Target 1: Environment
Target 1.1: Mean relative adult stock size. Overexploited demersal fish stocks rebuilt to minimum sustainable
thresholds. This will be measured as progress towards an increase in mean relative adult stock size for the three key
demersal species (Hamour, Shaari and Farsh) based on annual landings’ stock assessment, from 6.6% average in 2017
to 30% in 2030.
Target 1.2: Sustainable Fisheries Catch Index. Achievement of 70% in this index for all species. The term sustainable
catch index is a measure for the UAE’s fisheries resources that describes the proportion of the total catch landed that
consists of sustainably exploited species, estimated each year. This will be measured by progress towards an increase
in the index from 8.4% for all species in 2017, toward a target of 70% in 2030.
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These environmental indicators will be used to monitor the status of key species of commercially exploited fish in the UAE’s
waters in order to provide the scientific basis for fisheries management regulations and policy.
Target 2: Social and Economic Indicator
Target 2: Stakeholder satisfaction with the ongoing fisheries management planning process, measured via survey at
regular intervals over the time horizon of the Framework.
The social and economic indicator will be used to monitor the satisfaction of stakeholders outlined in Table 1 of this Framework.
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4. FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION
4.1 Implementation Mechanisms The following implementation mechanisms to achieve the stated actions and targets are fundamental to achieving this
framework:
Table 3: Framework Implementation Mechanisms
Implementation Mechanism Framework
Action
Actions 1 and 2 Implementation Mechanisms: Develop and implement management
measures to allow the fishery to recover and support fisheries recovery enhancement with
pursuit of the following strategic management measure objectives and assessment of the
following fisheries management tools:
Strategic Objective 1: Reduce Pressure on the Fishery
o Enhancement of enforcement of existing fisheries regulations, particularly in
respect of vessels needing an Emirati captain (Article 31 of amended Federal
Law No.23 (1999) and its bylaw (Ministerial Decree No. 21 of 2018);
o Seasonal closures of severely overexploited fisheries;
o Restrictions and caps on gear types that are contributing to the
overexploitation of fisheries resources;
o The continuation and review of caps on commercial fisheries licenses;
o Consideration of moratoriums on catch for species that are severely
overexploited, or for methods that are non selective;
o Take limits in the recreational fishery.
Lead Entities: MOCCAE and Competent Authorities.
Timeframe: To be commenced from effective date with key measures to be
implemented in 2019.
Strategic Objective 2: Develop Aquaculture Research and Programmes to
support fish stock improvement
o Establishing policies, regulations and codes of conduct to support sustainable
aquaculture development for the purpose of improving the status of stocks.
Lead Entities: MOCCAE and Competent Authorities.
Timeframe: To be commenced from effective date with key measures to be
implemented in 2019.
ACTION 1:
Development and
implementation of
management
measures
commensurate with
the state of the
fishery.
Strategic Objective 3: Enhance Fish Stocks
o Rehabilitation of fisheries habitats through the cultivation of coral reefs and
the installation of artificial reefs for the purpose of biodiversity protection and
fisheries recovery; and the pursuit of additional fish stock enhancement
methods.
Lead Entities: MOCCAE and Competent Authorities.
Timeframe: Ongoing and to be continued from effective date.
ACTION 2:
Rehabilitation of
fisheries habitats
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4.2 Resources Needed to Support this Framework The following will be needed to support the achievement of this framework:
Commitment from stakeholders to achieve sustainable fisheries, and allow fish stocks to recover.
UAE Fisheries Management Plans developed and implemented by sector, fishery and locality.
UAE Aquaculture Plans for fish stock improvement developed and implemented.
Decrees implementing Management measures declared and enforced.
Training Manual for land and sea based enforcement agencies.
A Fisheries Scientific Research Plan implemented.
Comprehensive data on fisheries gathered across the UAE.
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5. FRAMEWORK ANALYSIS
5.1 Framework Benefits The key benefit of this framework is publically acknowledging the current “severely overexploited” state of the fishery and
establishing steps to achieve a “recovering” and a sustainably managed fishery. Social benefits include all stakeholders feeling
aware, informed and engaged in respect of the fisheries sector and framework direction, and economically, improved touristic
and business opportunities through a likely increase in stock size over time. In summary:
The framework is a response to the state of the fishery;
It is evidence-based and pursues fisheries management best practice at the federal and emirate level, based on the
scientific state of fish species;
Pursuing sustainable fisheries is a collaboration between federal and local authorities;
It is a holistic framework – and recognises that all stakeholders need to be involved in the pursuit of sustainable
fisheries – recreational fishers, commercial fishers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers; and
The framework direction seeks to balance environmental, social and economic objectives, as fish stocks recover.
In summary, the scientific state of the fishery, the socioeconomic conditions and fisheries being a strategic priority justify
the framework direction.
5.2 Framework Criteria Achieved This framework:
Is a step towards fulfilling the National Biodiversity Strategy targets – of 70% of fisheries resources sustainably
harvested above direction the 30% sustainable threshold.
Is Socially / culturally acceptable – preserving the inherent cultural elements (heritage) of fisheries activities, while
not contradicting environmental sustainability needs, is one of the objectives of this framework.
Pursues informed decision making – pursuing sustainable fisheries and gathering scientific and stakeholder
socioeconomic information results in informed decision-making.
Is a step towards achieving intergenerational equity and wider government food security objectives – by
acknowledging the fisheries framework challenge transparently and seeking to achieve sustainable fisheries,
intergenerational equity and food security are more likely to be achieved because all stakeholders– public, private and
government are aware of the fisheries state and that all stakeholders will need to be part of the solution.
Is a framework based on science – the framework is a response to best available science, with the recently completed
Fisheries Resources Assessment Survey, informing future management measures.
Is consistent with international approaches – international best practice uses the 30% sustainable threshold as a
standardized target for sustainable fish stocks.
Is economically equitable – maintaining a commercial element to the fishery is a framework objective, which will be
commensurate with achieving environmental and social objectives.
Proposes stakeholder engagement of programme outcomes – all relevant stakeholders entities will be engaged in
the pursuit of sustainable fisheries.
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6. FRAMEWORK REVIEW Review of this framework will be completed annually by progress made against targets, with the overall Framework to be
reviewed in 2030.
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7. BIBLIOGRAPHY
7.1 Selected Bibliography
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Declaration on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem (Reykjavik, 2001).
Marine Sea Turtle Memorandum of Understanding (2001).
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International Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks (FAO, 1999).
International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (FAO, 1999).
Declaration on the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (Rome, 1999).
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Ministerial Decree No. (446) of 2012 concerning the restructuring of the Fisheries Regulation Committee in Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Ministerial Decree No. (211) of 2012 concerning the prohibition of fishing and marketing of the Longtail Silver Biddy (Badh).
Ministerial Decree No. (775) of 2010 pertaining to restructuring of the fishing Organising Committee in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Ministerial Decree No. (542) of 2008 concerning the regulation of sharks.
Federal law No. (24) of 1999 for the protection and development of the environment.
Ministerial Decree No. (261) of 2003 capping the number of licenses of tarad and lansh fishing boats.
Ministerial Decree No. (21) of 2018 for issuing the executive by-law of the Federal Law No.23 and its amendments.
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Federal Law No. (23) of 1999 concerning the exploitation, protection and development of living aquatic resources in the UAE and its
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Emirate EAD (2014). Abu Dhabi Fisheries Sector: Law, Policy, Science and Socioeconomic Gap Analysis and Action Plan. Abu Dhabi: Environment
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EAD (2013). Fisheries Strategy Position Paper.
Decree of 2013 pertaining to regulating Ghazel net fishery in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Environment Vision 2030 (2013).
Decree of His Highness The Crown Prince, Chairman of the Executive Council, No.(55) of 2009 concerning transferring the Law enforcement
mandate from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi to the Critical Infrastructure and Costal Protection Authority.
Executive Decree No. (8) of 2011 concerning regulation of fishing using stationary fishing methods (hudoor) in Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Decree No. (1) of 2008 pertaining to regulating operation of fishing boats in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Decree No. (3) of 2007 pertaining to ban of fishing with Halaq nets.
Executive Decree No. (44) of 2007 concerning termination of permits for fishing rights in the Buhoor fishing areas.
Crown Prince Decree No. (3) of 2005 pertaining to regulating fishing activities in the area known as Buhoor.
Law No. (16) of 2005 establishing EAD’s organizational structure.
Executive Decree No. (1) of 2004 concerning the regulation of fishingusing sakkar and dufarah.
Decree No. (2) of 2004 pertaining to the amendment of Decree No (1-2003) on fishing with Gargoor traps.
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